Genus Symphoricarpos (Snowberry, Coralberry)

Symphoricarpos X chenaultii 'Hancock' Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner

sim-for-ih-KAR-pos Common Name: Snowberry, Coralberry

These deciduous shrubs are native to woodlands and prairies of western China and North and Central America. They are most known for their persistent, opaque berries. The flowers are attractive to bees and the berries attract birds. They are tolerant of poor soils and exposed areas. Grow in small groups in open woodlands, shrub borders, naturalistic plantings, and renovation sites.
Noteworthy characteristics: Small, bell-shaped flowers transform into showy clusters of waxy, round berries in shades of white, pink, blue, or purple.
Care: Grow in average, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. After flowering, cut back flowering stems to strong buds and remove one-third to one-fifth of the oldest branches to the base. Alternately, prune only to maintain a healthy framework.
Propagation: Divide suckers in fall; take softwood cuttings in summer or hardwood cuttings in late fall.
Problems: Anthracnose, powdery mildew.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Symphoricarpos

Symphoricarpos × chenaultii ‘Hancock’
(Chenault coralberry, Snowberry) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

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Chenault coralberry is an undemand­ing workhorse. This 2-foot-tall shrub spreads about 10 feet without causing any trouble. It does an excellent job of covering ground and smothering weeds while elim­inating erosion. In late summer, small pink flowers appear and are followed by rosy red fruit.

Symphoricarpos × doorenbosii 'Kordes'
(Amethyst coralberry) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

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This hybrid produces vivid deep purple-pink fruit from late summer on. It forms a thicket (which may be sheared) 3 to 5 feet high and wide. 

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